Boating Business to close
Boating Business (BB) magazine, established over 40 years ago, will close on 31 July 2023.
The company behind the publication, Mercator Media, says the closure is related to the way marketing spends have been allocated since the turn of the century, plus social media, plus the pandemic.
‘The bottom line is that BB’s clients are choosing to spend much less on advertising, whether magazine based or on BB.com,’ says an online statement.
‘We are faced with a stark choice and have chosen to shutter BB from 31 July 2023, while it is still ahead and a well-respected contributor to the UK leisure marine industry,’ the statement continues. ‘The July issue of the magazine will celebrate the heritage of BB, and we hope that the industry will join us in a tribute to this much-loved title.’
Mercator Media says it’s just concluded what is probably its most successful Seawork yet and is busy planning the 25th edition in 2024.
BB’s current editor Katina Read and her team of contributors is well respected by all, especially the team at Marine Industry News and MAA (MIN’s parent company), who have enjoyed Read’s company at many press and industry events.
Elsewhere in marine publishing, moves were made earlier this year when Telegraph Media Group acquired The Chelsea Magazine Company (CMC), an independent publisher of marine and lifestyle content, for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2007 by Paul Dobson, CMC offers a portfolio of specialist consumer brands, including Classic Boat, Sailing Today and Cruise & Travel.
